Climbing Mt Kenya/kilimanjaro/wildlife Safaris

STANDOUTADVENTURES is owned and run by Mary; a pioneer mountaineer and a graduate of American National Outdoor Leadership School.[N.O.L.S]. All her experience will make your climbing/trekking/safari vacation to an unforgettable adventure.

Details for Climbing Mt Kenya/kilimanjaro/wildlife Safaris

Active Adventure

Day 2- Acclimatization day-Drive to Arusha national park for a game drive.Dinner and overnight at Mt Meru hotel.Before dinner Mt Kilimanjaro briefing by your chief guide.

Day 3:Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkumbwa (2,650 m/8,692 ft)Hike time: 3hrsElevation Change: + 650 M/+2,132Estimation distance: 10 kmFinal Elevation: 2,650 m/8,694 ftAfter the morning drive to the trailhead youâ€™ll spend the first day with an armed ranger due to the animal population in this forest area, stopping at the Mti Mkumbwa Camp after only about 3 hours of climbing.Day 4:Mti Mkubwa (2,650 m/8,692 ft) to Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.)Hike time: 5 â€' 6 hrsElevation change: + 950 M/+3116Estimation distance: 12 kmFinal Elevation: 3609 m/11,841 ftThis day starts in the forest and gets considerably steeper as you go through the heather and moorland areas before camping at the Shira Plateau in a large, open, and scenic area at the Shira One Camp.Day 5:Shira One Camp (3,609 m/11,841 ft.) to Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.)Hike time: 5 â€' 6 hrsElevation change: + 240 M/+787 ftElevation distance: 5 kmFinal elevation: 3849 m/12,628 ft.This day takes you on a gentle walk across the plateau for some excellent scenery while your body continues to acclimatize.NOTE: From Shira Two Camp on, this route is identical to Machame Route, including the descent on the separate Mweke Route. If youâ€™ve taken Lemosho youâ€™ve done another day at this point, so Day 4 of Lemosho is identical to Day 3 of Machame and so on.

Day 6:Shira Two Camp (3,849 m/12,628 ft.) to Barranco Hut (3,948 m/12,956 ft.)Hike time: 5 hrsElevation change: +100 M/+328 ftEstimated distance: 6 kmFinal elevation: 3948 m/12,956 ft.The morning climb is somewhat steep on this day as you ascend to Lava Tower at 4,600 meters at midday before descending again on the scenic route to Barranco Camp. This is a great example of the climb high/sleep low rule that helps people acclimatize safely.

Day: 7-Barranco Hut (3,900 m/12,800 ft) to Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft)Hike time: 3.5 hrsElevation change: +100 m/+328 ftEstimated distance: 4km/2.5 milesFinal elevation: 3,963 m/13,000 ftYou climb the Great Barranco Wall, which looks more intimidating than it really is, and down into the Karanga Valley. This day has many ups and downs and crosses many small streams before crossing the Karanga River just before camp.Day 8:Karanga Valley (3,963 m/13,000 ft) to Barafu Hut (4,600 m/15,091 ft).Hike time: 3.5 hrsElevation change: +600 m/+1,968 ftEstimated distance: 4km/2.5 milesFinal elevation: 4,600 m/15,091 ftYou climb through rocky and otherwise barren terrain on your way to Barafu Camp. The camp is in another cold and windy area, but youâ€™ll only be sleeping from around 7 p.m. until 11: 30 p.m. or so because youâ€™ll be starting the summit climb at midnight.

Day 9:Barafu Camp (4,600m/15,091 ft) to The Summit (5,896 m/19,343 ft) and then to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft)Summit time: 7 hrsElevation change: +1,300 m/+4,265 ftEstimated distance: 5km/3.2 milesFinal elevation: 5,896 m/19,343 ftDescent time: 5 hrsElevation change: -2,800 m/-9,186 ftEstimated distance: 12km/7.5 milesFinal elevation: 3,100 m, 10,170 ftYouâ€™ll start at midnight with by far the most challenging 6-hour section of entire climb as you reach Stella Point around sunrise. After a short rest youâ€™ll probably be walking in snow for the next two hours until you reach Uhuru Peak, AKA the summit! After enjoying the moment briefly youâ€™ll begin your descent to the Mweka Camp back in the rain forest, which takes about 8 hours including a quick rest in the middle.

Kili climbs includes,All the park entry fees, all the transfers ,guide and porters ,rescue fees ,food as stated in the itinerary ,hotels on BB ,equipments ,mountain huts where applicable and day rooms.

Mountain Cuisine: The menus for all climbs are specially prepared to provide a balanced diet of fresh fruit, vegetables, plenty of protein and carbohydrates. We have tried to choose food items that are easiest to digest at high altitude. Our cooks undergo extensive training and we have ongoing workshops to review menus. The cooks are particularly vigilant in their hygiene practices as contracting stomach bugs is common for visitors to the developing world.Dinners are typically a main course with vegetable and salad. Chicken and fish are served at some of the days during the climb, with pastas and rice dishes being served in the middle of the climb while up high. Lunches are often on the trail and usually consist of cold cuts and vegetables laid out on a table so you can make your own sandwich. Fresh hot vegetable soups are served at every meal, and packet soup is available on request between meals there is coffee and tea.

Breakfast is your choice: granola, toast, fruit, eggs, and sometimes pancakes or French toast. While hiking some people have a favorite snack that they like; it is a good idea to bring this from home.Sleeping Gear- sleeping bag and stuff sack: night-time temperatures on Kilimanjaro can >be as low as zero degrees Fahrenheit so bring a warm bag-- pile or wool hat: it must cover the ears; a balaclava works well-- sleeping pad: full-length Therma-Rest or equivalentHead and Face-- shade hat: a visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the equatorial sun-- bandannas: various uses - cleaning glasses, sun protection when tied around the neck, etc.-- sunglasses with side shields or glacier glasses: essential eye protection whether in the tropics, at high altitudes or by the water

Upper Body- enough t-shirts that will get dry very quickly; polypropylene is best; no cotton.-- upper body layers: three warms layers for the upper body. These must be made of wool, polypropylene or pile. Layers must fit over each other and provide good insulation. A long underwear top, a sweater and a pile or heavy wool shirt make a good combination. Cotton should be avoided.-- rain parka: a good parka made of Gore tex or waterproof nylon that has been seam sealed. Afternoon showers are common in East Africa, especially on Kilimanjaro.-- poncho: quick and handy protection for your body and your day pack; poor protection in windy rain-- wool gloves or mittens: wool or pile; one pair of heavy mittens and a light pair of gloves works well-- mitten shells: one pair to go over mittens; provide protection from the wind and rain at higher altitudes on the mountain

Optional-- Down or Synthetic Jacket: although not required some individuals may prefer to bring a heavier expedition weight jacket for cold mountain nights.Lower Body-- undergarments: adequate supply for the entire climb-- hiking shorts: one pair of quick-drying shorts; good for hiking at lower elevations on the mountain-- tights: comfortable to hike in, protection from vegetation and sunburn, warm on cool misty days; Lycra are best-- long underwear bottoms: one pair, either wool or polypropylene pile, bunting or wool pants: one comfortable pair that fit loosely over the long underwear bottoms-- rain pants: a good pair of Gore tex or nylon pants (nylon pants must be made of breathable, water resistant nylon); must be roomy enough to fit comfortably over pile or wool pants

Feet- thin socks: two pair of polypropylene socks to wear under heavy wool socks; help prevent blisters and keep feet dry-- thick socks: six pair of heavy wool or polypropylene socks-- hiking boots: one pair medium weight hiking boots large enough to be comfortable with one thin and one heavy sock (see Boot Fitting and Maintenance section in this booklet)-- gaiters: one pair of high gaiters made of breathable material; keeps dirt and snow out of boots-- tennis shoes: to wear in camp after a day of hikingPersonal Health and Comfort-- toiletries: toothbrush and paste, comb, shampoo, tampons, foot powder , hand cream, etc. Bring enough for the entire trip as few are available in Tanzania.-- sunscreen: bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 15 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for equatorial sun protection.-- lip balm: must have SPF rating of 15 or more-- ear plugs: to block out snoring and other noise to ensure a good night's sleep-- flashlight and/or headlamp: bring extra batteries-- adjustable ski poles: required to assist with a rigorous descent from the mountain-- pocket knife: simple Swiss Army type with scissors-- personal first aid and drug kit: see Health and Medical Information towel: for wash up in camp-- Toiletries: individually wrapped anti-bacterial towels are great for general hygiene-- spare contacts or glasses: contacts can be a problem in dusty conditions; glasses wearers should have a spare set-- umbrella (optional): protection from rain and sun; most guides use one-- portable chair: (optional): Therma-rest and Crazy Creek both make light-weight, comfortable portable chairs. Stools are provided in camp for dining.-- snacks: (optional): bring a supply of your favorite snacks to eat on the climb. It is a nice treat for the porters to receive a small snack on the climb.-- fingernail brush (optional): for removing dust from your nails, clothes or boots-- plastic sandwich bags: keeps personal items separate and dry

Water-- water bottles: two one-quart, wide-mouthed plastic bottles. If you use a collapsible water bottle or hydration system you are welcome to bring it along for drinking water. However, continue to bring at least one hard plastic bottle in addition. These can be used in cold weather as hot water bottles in your sleeping bag (example: Nalgene).-- water treatment tablets: two bottles of Potable Agua or Polar Pure crystal iodine; purifies drinking water while on the climb and is lightweight and easy to use-- water flavoring: powdered additives like Tang, Gatoraid and Wyler's lemonade make treated water taste better.

Carrying Gear-- large day pack: with padded shoulder straps and waist belt; used for carrying personal gear such as water bottle, extra clothing, snacks, camera, etc. Individual loads will be between 15 and 20 pounds. A climbing pack with a volume between 2500-3500 cu. in. (40-50 liters) severs most people needs well.-- large duffel bag: with a lock; mountain gear will be kept in it and the entire duffel will go into the group mountain bag that will be carried by the porters. Limit loads to items on the equipment list. Your large duffel will weigh between 25-30 lbs.-- medium duffel bag: to store your non-mountain gear; this will be stored at the hotel, to be used after the climb and will be brought to your hotel.-- baggage tags: makes identifying your bags easy at the airports or hotels-- plastic bags: sleeping bag and clothes will be double-bagged while on the mountain for protection from afternoon rains. Heavy duty garbage bags work great and can store dirty or wet clothes as well.

Safety. Our Guides carries first aid kits ie-Gammow bags/oxygen and multiple communications equipment on every single climb-Satellite phones. Guides are trained in wilderness first aid, mountain craft, natural history and ecological awareness.

Equipments. Our climbs are equipped with the finest climbing and camping apparatus, safety equipment and communications network on Mount Kilimanjaro. Comfortable and private Salewa tents allow our travelers to by pass the very rustic mountain huts where most trekkers spend their nights.

Typical Day

trekking: 2 persons are sharing a tent, up to 5 hrs hiking, the luggage is carried by porters, for you remains just a small day pack with rain protection, camera equipment, little snack and water or tea. The trek is accompanied by a cook, who prepares delicious local meals, even high up in the mountains.

Safari:Accommodation can vary from public campsites, tented camps to luxury lodges, depending on your desire and budget.Usually, there will be 2 game drives per day --- early morning and late afternoon--- this provides you with the best lighting for your pictures and also, the animals are more active during those periods of the day.

The price excludes;Climbing Equipment. Rucksack (must be provided for the porters by the clients, duffel bags are unacceptable)/mountain clothes/hiking boots/tips/extras of personal nature/drinks/sleeping bags(for hire)/medical and evacuation insurance.

Discounts Offered

Reviews of Climbing Mt Kenya/kilimanjaro/wildlife Safaris

Standout Adventures, excellent tour operatorSylvia -- Aug 24, 2010 02:17 pmHello, our names are Sylvia and Rolf from Bonn, Germany. We did a private trekking Tour and wildlife safari with Standout Adventures in May 2010 in Kenya. Standout Adventures made an excellent job, it was an absolutely enjoyable trip! We began our tour with a few days for acclimatisation in Aberdare National Park. Then we started to climb Mount Kenya up Sirimon with an extra night at Liki North Hut at 3993 m and down Chogoria. We have experience in trekking in higher altitudes, for example in M ... more

wildlife safarilinda -- Mar 24, 2010 12:01 pmhi, my name is linda, i live in upstate n.y. i did a wildlife safari with standout adventures and mary kariuki in january 2010. i saw 4 of the " big 5 " at the solio game ranch , my first safari . i saw the leopard , the ones photo is pictured on the website, with my own eyes.it was a wonderful experience. the food was good, more than i had expected. i felt safe, and enjoyed everybodies warm hospitality. ... more

Experience made with Stand Out AdventuresMar 14, 2010 Hello,

My name is Janet and I live in Canmore, Canada. I am planning a trek and safari with Stand Out Adventures and I asked for a reference and she gave me your contact details. Can you please advise what type of trip you did with Mary's company, the length, service, logistics, drivers, porters etc. We are just about to send our deposit but wanted to get a reference first.

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Owned and guided by Mary Mumbi Kariuki, Standout Adventures employs experienced, sociable, and knowledgeable porters, cooks, and drivers to make sure, your holiday is everything you wish it to be.

Choose us for professional organization of your holiday plans. We have been arranging tours for over many years now.

By choosing to plan your adventure holiday with us, you also help to improve the lives of less fortunate African children. Standout Adventures donates 5% of all revenue to Open hand orphanage.

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